Do Dashmats work?
- Thread starter gr8almty1
- Start date
TTQ B4U
Well-known member
- Jan 20, 2016
- 5,504
- 70
Not a dashmat but an option
Personally I would just get the windshield tinted. You're likely going to already have to get the rest done. Even stock tint won't deflect heat so you'll need to tint those too.
I have 70% on my S4 as that's the legal limit in Ohio. It's not even about the darkness though as the material. Get a good ceramic tint. I'm sure out west you could go darker if desired.
Black on Black with zero issues in August Heat
Front 70%
Sunroof 35%
Sides 50/35%
Rear 15%
Personally I would just get the windshield tinted. You're likely going to already have to get the rest done. Even stock tint won't deflect heat so you'll need to tint those too.
I have 70% on my S4 as that's the legal limit in Ohio. It's not even about the darkness though as the material. Get a good ceramic tint. I'm sure out west you could go darker if desired.
Black on Black with zero issues in August Heat
Front 70%
Sunroof 35%
Sides 50/35%
Rear 15%
MarkD51
Active member
- Oct 15, 2012
- 3,130
- 0
Tinting the windshield might be great during the day, but at night will no doubt compromise your seeing, especially out in the southwest, where 2 miles out of town, everything is pitch black.
Sure, a Dash Mat will help protect the Dash from triple digit summer heat, but the only thing I hate about them, is the Velcro Peel and Stick Tape, that's holds them in place at strategic areas, which will no doubt leave marks behind if you decide to one day remove that Dash Mat.
And yeah, here in NM, and even worse in AZ, that Dash Mat will turn to powder after 2-3 summers.
Minimum, do get a Windshield Reflective Shield, and one good cheapo way to go, is buy a oversize one at either wally world, or the big auto parts stores, custom cut it with scissors to exactly fit your glass, and then do get in the habit of using it wherever you park, for work, shopping, and any extended periods of time where your vehicle will sit in the blazing sun.
Get in the habit of treating your dash with a good interior vinyl protectant, but not Armor All! You'll find some good ones here, that will make the plastics look nice, without turning them into "mirrors", and blinding you.
Sure, a Dash Mat will help protect the Dash from triple digit summer heat, but the only thing I hate about them, is the Velcro Peel and Stick Tape, that's holds them in place at strategic areas, which will no doubt leave marks behind if you decide to one day remove that Dash Mat.
And yeah, here in NM, and even worse in AZ, that Dash Mat will turn to powder after 2-3 summers.
Minimum, do get a Windshield Reflective Shield, and one good cheapo way to go, is buy a oversize one at either wally world, or the big auto parts stores, custom cut it with scissors to exactly fit your glass, and then do get in the habit of using it wherever you park, for work, shopping, and any extended periods of time where your vehicle will sit in the blazing sun.
Get in the habit of treating your dash with a good interior vinyl protectant, but not Armor All! You'll find some good ones here, that will make the plastics look nice, without turning them into "mirrors", and blinding you.
MarkD51
Active member
- Oct 15, 2012
- 3,130
- 0
All other glass on the vehicle should get tinted per your state's regulations, and that will cut down on UV intrusion into the vehicle. Usually it will be a medium tint, and most good tint installers should certify, and give you such written certification that your tint is legal in your state, in case "Sgt Joe Friday" pulls you over, with a razor blade in hand. I've had such happen in "Police State" turdholes like Illinois, where I once got a warning from a state trooper about such.
AGOatemywallet
New member
- Jun 13, 2015
- 920
- 0
davidc
New member
- May 6, 2007
- 1,499
- 0
I bought these for the vehicles a few years ago. They seem to work and may definately prolong the life of the dash.
UVS100 Ultraviolet Heat Shield by Covercraft® is custom made for your vehicle's windshield! Sun Shades block out harmful UV rays to protect against
Dave
UVS100 Ultraviolet Heat Shield by Covercraft® is custom made for your vehicle's windshield! Sun Shades block out harmful UV rays to protect against
Dave
TTQ B4U
Well-known member
- Jan 20, 2016
- 5,504
- 70
I have zero problems in the dark and travel quite a bit in such areas. 70-80 or even 90% AirOptics by Llumar is excellent. Even the 80% will block 50% of the heat/energy coming in. 80% isn't even noticeable by someone looking in thus wouldn't be a problem either. You can also obtain a letter from your local eye care professional too.
I bought these for the vehicles a few years ago. They seem to work and may definately prolong the life of the dash.
UVS100 Ultraviolet Heat Shield by Covercraft® is custom made for your vehicle's windshield! Sun Shades block out harmful UV rays to protect against
Dave
Same thing here in our cars. Works great.
I had 2 layers of tint on the windshield on my transit,at night I had to roll the window down to see a street name.Got busted picking up my daughter from school the sheriff was a cross guard on that day and he instructed me to stop.No ticket he was cool about it.I have zero problems in the dark and travel quite a bit in such areas. 70-80 or even 90% AirOptics by Llumar is excellent. Even the 80% will block 50% of the heat/energy coming in. 80% isn't even noticeable by someone looking in thus wouldn't be a problem either. You can also obtain a letter from your local eye care professional too.
